5 Element Acupuncture
Donna A. S. Leon,MS.,M.Ac.,L.Ac.
Licensed by the Board of Medicine in Massachusetts
Lunenburg, Littleton and Home Visits
Traditional Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China several thousand years ago and is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. It is the primary source of health care for about one third of the world’s population.
5 Element Acupuncture recognizes the process of health and illness and how to go about the restoration of lost health in an individual.
The 5 Elements are phases of energy which are seen in nature. They are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Since we are a part of nature, these elements show up in us too.
The basic theory of Oriental medicine is the belief that there is a Life Force call Ch'i (chee) energy. When this Life Force flows within us in a harmonious, balanced way there is health. When it is not flowing properly, then there is disharmony and imbalance. This is illness.
The usual way that we know we are sick is via a symptom which acts as a signal of distress. We may feel the distress as a migraine headache, an ulcer, depression, arthritis or any other complaint. These symptoms point to trouble somewhere in the flow of the Ch'i Energy. We could say that the symptom is the trouble itself and so try to eliminate it, but from the perspective of 5 Element Acupuncture, this would be like covering up an oil light on your car's dashboard when it is indicating a problem. In other words, the problem is not dispelled by disguising the symptom.
5 Element Acupuncture restores order and balance to the Ch'i Energy at it's core level, enabling it to flow clearly without obstruction so that the person can heal. In this way, 5 Element Acupuncture treats the whole person and addresses the root cause as well as their symptom.
Benefits
5 element acupuncture is often effective with a surprising range of complaints which are listed in the column to the left. Also, Acupuncture is effective for many severe chronic illnesses, complaints that have no easily determined cause and pain from various traumas as well as nagging chronic conditions.
With ongoing treatment for maintenance and health patients:
tend to get sick less often and recover more quickly;
have increased vitality and improved stamina;
notice health problems other than those for which they entered treatment are likely to clear up;
feel more at ease in life.
Clean, Safe and Gentle
Acupuncture needles are solid and slender, slightly thicker than a human hair and bear no resemblance to hypodermic syringes. The needles are individually wrapped, sterilized and solid. They are discarded after each use. Most insertions are made just beneath the skin's surface. Sensations may be nothing, a dull, momentary ache or a tingling. I use the highest quality needles. They are inserted gently and removed quickly. Most people report a sense of relaxation and calm immediately after the treatment.
Visits
The first visit lasts about 90 minutes during which time we privately discuss your reasons for coming to acupuncture and your expectations from treatment. Health and personal history will be reviewed and a complete screening will be conducted. You remain clothed.
Subsequent treatment sessions will usually last about 45min.-1 hour. Although sessions vary with each individual, we usually spend some time talking. You provide updates on how you are doing. The rest of the time you are on massage table with clothes on. I customized a treatment so that you receive the maximum benefit from the least amount of needles.
Most people report a sense of relaxation and calm immediately after the treatment. You may choose to rest and enjoy this peaceful sensation in a quiet, private atmosphere.
Acupuncture has been endorsed by the
World Health Organization
and the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
